Theobromine supplementation in combination with a low-calorie diet improves cardiovascular risk factors in overweight and obese subjects with metabolic syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

Background & aims: The beneficial effects of theobromine (TB) on obesity and features of metabolic syndrome (MetS) have been reported in several studies. However, the findings are equivocal. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of 12 week pure TB supplementation (450 mg day-1) combined with a low-calorie diet on the anthropometric and metabolic syndrome indices in overweight and obese adults with MetS. Methods: In a randomized double-blind parallel controlled trial, 80 participants aged 40-55 years were randomly assigned to take 450 mg day-1 TB or placebo along with a low-calorie diet for 12 weeks. Dietary intake, anthropometric indices, blood pressure, lipid profile and glycemic indices were assessed at the start and end of the intervention. Results: Seventy-two participants completed the study. After 12 weeks, TB supplementation significantly decreased the waist circumference (WC) (-0.86 cm; P = 0.045), LDL-c/HDL-c (-0.26; P = 0.008), TG/HDL-c (-0.41; P = 0.001), TC/HDL-c (-0.38; P = 0.006) and increased HDL-c (1.72 mg dl-1; P = 0.036) compared to the placebo group. There were no significant differences regarding body weight, BMI, hip circumference (HC), hip-to-waist circumference ratio (WHR), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting levels of total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TAG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), fasting blood glucose, insulin, homoeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and homeostasis model assessment of ß-cell function (HOMA-ß) between the two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The results of the current study revealed that TB supplementation along with a low-calorie diet had favorable effects on WC, LDL-c/HDL-c, TG/HDL-c, TC/HDL-c, and serum level of HDL-c in overweight and obese subjects with MetS. Trial registration number: IRCT20091114002709N59. Registration date: 5 March 2022.

Characterization and anti-diabetic effects of the oligosaccharide fraction isolated from Rosa canina in STZ-Induced diabetic rats.

Diabetes mellitus is the most common metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia. There has been a surge of research studies aiming to use natural products in the management of diabetes. The objective of this study was to isolate and characterize the structure and anti-diabetic mechanisms of the main ingredient from Rosa canina. The oligosaccharide was isolated from Rosa canina fruits and characterized by a combination of FTIR, NMR and Mass spectrometry. Wistar rats were divided into negative control, diabetic (type 2), isolated oligosaccharide (IO)-treated diabetic and positive diabetic controls. Oral glucose tolerance, gluconeogenesis and α-glucosidase inhibitory tests as well as immunohistochemistry and quantitative real time-PCR were performed to elucidate the molecular anti-diabetic mechanisms of IO. Structural analyses confirmed the oligosaccharide structure of isolated fraction. Gluconeogenesis and α-glucosidase activity were inhibited by IO in diabetic rats. The oral glucose tolerance test was improved significantly in the group treated with the IO (P < 0.05). Pancreatic ß-cells and tissue pathological examination showed a significant improvement after the treatment period. In addition, the expression of Ngn3, Nkx6.1 and insulin increased in oligosaccharide-treated compared to untreated diabetic rats. Owing to the verified anti-diabetic effects and regenerative potential, isolated oligosaccharide could be considered as the promising drug in the management of diabetes.

The effect of selenium supplementation on acute phase reactants and thyroid function tests in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Selenium deficiency is a common problem in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This micronutrient has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. Selenium is also found in high concentrations in the thyroid gland. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of selenium supplementation on thyroid function tests and acute phase reactants in hemodialysis patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this double-blinded randomized clinical in 3 months, 64 hemodialysis patients with selenium deficiency were divided into experimental (received selenium supplementation; 32 cases) or control group (received placebo; 32 cases). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), ferritin, quantitative C-reactive protein (CRP) and thyroid function tests (TFTs) including thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), T3 resin uptake (T3RU), and free T4 were measured before and after the intervention and compared between experimental and control groups. RESULTS: At baseline, no significant difference was found between experimental and control groups regarding CRP, ESR and ferritin serum levels. Likewise, after intervention, no significant difference was found between experimental and control groups for CRP (14.77 ± 17.93 vs. 18.29 ± 21.56 mg/L), ESR (32.90 ± 32.62 vs. 33.91 ± 31.15 mm/h) and ferritin (528.6 ± 423.07 vs. 519.52 ± 345.59 ng/mL). At baseline, no significant difference was found between experimental and control groups regarding TFTs. Likewise, after intervention, no significant difference was found between experimental and control groups for TSH (3.7 ± 2.22 vs. 2.84 ± 1.88 µU/mL), free T4 (7.19 ± 1.98 vs. 7.02 ± 1.87 µg/dL) and T3RU (30.04 ± 2.28% vs. 29.2 ± 1.98%). CONCLUSIONS: Oral selenium supplementation for three months did not have any significant effect on thyroid function tests or acute phase reactants.

Effect of selenium on immune response against hepatitis B vaccine with accelerated method in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients.

BACKGROUND: Poor response to various vaccines especially hepatitis B is common. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of selenium on immune response against hepatitis B vaccine with accelerated method in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients. METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial study, 62 insulin dependent diabetic patients were divided into case and control groups (each of 31 cases). In the control group, hepatitis B vaccine 20 µg was done by intra-deltoid injection on a 0, 10, 21 day schedule with placebo, and in case group, 200 µg of selenium as a supplement was added once daily to same vaccine schedule from the first day to the 30(th) day of the month. After one month, serum sample was obtained and evaluated for anti-HBs using ELISA method. Data were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: In the case group, 23 cases (74.2%) and in control group, 15 cases (48.4%) achieved protective level of anti-HBs irrespective to sex and age (p=0.037). The mean antibody levels were 233.75±163.45U/L and 144±69.29U/L in selenium and control groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that selenium could help to increase protective rate and level of anti-HBs by accelerated vaccination method. Adding selenium by routine HBV vaccination in diabetic patients is recommended for increasing the rate and level of anti-HBs in such group.